Are you wondering about how to start a bakery business?
Do you want to turn your baking skills into a lucrative business? Then you’re in the right place. The guide below seeks to provide you with the best ways to start a successful bakery business and how to come up with a catchy name for your new bakery.
Decide on the kind of bakery to start
Make a decision on the type of business you would like to start. Start by evaluating the purpose of the business, budget, and skills. Ensure you are not doing it out only passion rather with strong reasons to support your decision. Below are types of bakery businesses to consider:
Online bakery – Here, you don’t require a physical shop to start. Your business will be based online. With catchy bakery names, well-designed website and images, you can start the bakery from the comfort of your home.
Counter service – You only require a small physical space where people can pick baked products over the counter.
Specialty service – This type of business is ideal for people who want to major in specific baked products.
Sit down – Here, you must have enough space where customers can order baked goods and dine at the same place.
Write a business plan
A business plan will help you view the bakery business from all dimensions. It defines everything in the business from the customers, expenses, goals, startup funds, competitors and many more.
Assess your startup supplies
Once you have a good plan, the next step is to find the right supplies to help in making baked goods. This includes baking equipment, shelving, donuts fryer, refrigerators, display cases, oven, pans, utensils, freezer, and more.
Look for space
If you prefer an online bakery, then your home can provide a good space to set up your business. If you need a physical space, then you must shop for a good area that is accessible to the public. Whatever you decide on, ensure you are selective. Shop around and compare offers.
Legal requirements
You need a business license to run a bakery business. Since legal provisions vary from state to state, it’s important to contact your local authorities for further directions. If you plan to start a big bakery business, then check with the secretary of the state. For sole proprietorship, the county office will help you obtain the necessary documents.
Also, a food license is required by the health department especially when selling goods online. Check with the Food and Drug Administration on the label requirements. Doing this will ensure you start and run a business that fulfills all the legal requirements
Price your baked goods
There are various methods used when it comes to pricing. You can base your price points on the time you used in marketing the business, cost of provisions, packaging, time spent in making the baked goods and more.
Do proper marketing
You can make the best tasting cakes all day. However, who knows about it? Your efforts are valueless when nobody is aware of your bakery business. You need to spare enough time promoting your bakery business. Create catchy bakery names and take your business to the online level. Get the best marketing strategies to promote your bakery business, for instance, social media. Also, you can write a blog and join groups such as the chamber of commerce to market your baked goods.
Have a defined business policy
You should learn to differentiate a business from friends. The reason is that family members and friends are likely to ask for a price cut. Remember this is a business where the goal is to minimize costs and maximize profits. Take this chance to educate your friends that your business requires ingredients to start. They need to understand you incur some costs before making those sweet scones.
Find support
No matter how well prepared you are, you will require support at some point. Starting a bakery business consumes a lot of time. This includes the baking time, marketing, delivering orders, assisting customers and more. You need emotional support from friends to make it easy all the way till you make your first sale.
Final thought
A good business plan is a key ingredient to a successful bakery business. Offer the best and quality baked goods in order to stand out of the rest. Above all, do proper marketing to reach more potential customers.